Beijing transportation authorities confirmed that the municipality will adjust its taxi fare pricing system as part of the measures taken to increase access to taxis, Beijing News reported.

A hearing inviting all stakeholders will be held before releasing the new price plan, and the price increases will mainly go to taxi drivers, the paper reported.

Taxi prices have remained unchanged for years in the capital, causing discontent among taxi drivers.

It has become increasingly difficult to get a taxi during rush hours in Beijing, as many drivers prefer to suspend their business due to high operating costs, such as rising gas prices.

Call and smartphone app services will also be promoted, integrating five taxi control centers of more than 200 taxi companies and establishing a unified monitoring and operation platform, so as to make it easier to get a taxi in Beijing, the paper reported.